Big Greek Wedding: Krista + Ben

I have always wanted to photograph a big Greek wedding and over Memorial Day weekend, my wish came true!  Enter the Greek goddess Krista and the handsome Ben who swept Krista off of her feet when they met in college.


Krista got ready in her parents' home alongside her side of the family, just like Kiki (her mother) had done and many generations before.

Ben prepared himself for the big day with his family at the Hyatt Place.

The wedding ceremony took place at the gorgeous Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In the Greek Orthodox tradition, there are so many symbolic moments during the ceremony.  One of my favorites was the Crowning.  The priest took the crowns  (or "stefana") from the altar table, blessed Krista and Ben, and then placed the crowns on each of their heads.  The wedding crowns are joined by ribbons which symbolize the unity of the couple and the presence of Christ who blesses and joins the couple.  Ben and Krista's sponsor then exchanged the crowns over their heads to seal the union, followed by a celebratory processional around the altar.

Ceruti's Summit Room was the perfect venue for Ben and Krista's reception.  We needed lots of space to accommodate all of the lively dancing!  There was the Bread Dance, Kalamatiano, the Tsamiko, the Tsifteteli, and the Zembekiko (a great dance where money was thrown at the bride and groom for good luck!).  It was SUCH a celebration!  I even got sucked into the dance line quite a few times myself!  God bless you richly Krista and Ben!!!  Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to capture the essence of your wedding day!  What fabulous, energetic, loving and faith-filled families you both have.  ~ Lesa

For permission to view the full proof gallery from this Wedding Session on ShadowlandsPhotography.biz, please contact Krista or Ben for the passcode. You can also see more pictures from this session (as well as other clients' sessions) on Facebook.com/ShadowlandsPhotography and ShadowlandsPhotography.com.